Player Eligibility Guidelines

Overview
Each year, every club is given the opportunity to recruit players from not only the school of their primary relationship but also from the community. Since the Smoky Mountain Athletic Club and the high school rugby league are community based organizations, all high school age youth are encouraged to participate. Therefore, the Eligibility Committee (EC) is tasked with managing the player recruitment and placement process and handles all matters as related to player eligibility.

General Guidelines of Eligibility
Any high school age youth living in East Tennessee is eligible to participate in the high school rugby program offered by the Smoky Mountain Athletic Club. Whenever possible, the eligibility and placement of players will follow the following guidelines:
    Participants are expected to play for their high school's team, if one is available. The EC will consider exceptions
        due to extenuating circumstances.
    Participants from schools with a team, but have become ineligible to play for their school's team, will be appropriately
        placed on another team upon the recommendation of the coaches of both teams and after consultation with the
        parents / guardians.
     Participants from schools without a high school team (including home schooled students) will be placed with a
       club based on geographic location.

Reviews
The Eligibility Committee will review all participation exceptions and requests for waivers. General Managers (head coaches) are required to submit a review form for each player practicing with their team that is outside the stated parameters of the club's recruitment area. Please note that this is to be completed by the coach, not the player as its the coach's responsibility to insure the eligibility of all his/her players.